A nationwide survey has named New Jersey the top state for ice cream lovers, with more residents identifying as self-proclaimed “ice cream connoisseurs” than in any other state.
According to a study conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Undeniably Dairy in honor of National Ice Cream Month, 58% of New Jersey respondents described themselves as ice cream experts — the highest percentage in the country. The Garden State also tied for first place as the state that loves ice cream the most, along with Delaware, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, all averaging 8.9 out of 10 on the ice cream affection scale.
Following New Jersey on the “connoisseur” scale were New Mexico (56%), with a four-way tie for third between California, Kansas, New York, and North Dakota (all at 55%).
The survey, which polled Americans evenly across all 50 states, also delved into favorite flavors and consumption habits. Chocolate topped the list as America’s favorite ice cream flavor (15%), followed by vanilla and mint chocolate chip (both 12%). Other favorites included butter pecan (10%), cookies and cream (9%), and cookie dough (8%).
Tastes varied by generation: Gen Z and millennials leaned toward cookies and cream, while Gen X and baby boomers favored chocolate.
The survey also explored interest in emerging flavors, with black raspberry (27%), toasted marshmallow (24%), and peach (22%) drawing the most curiosity for summer sampling. A notable 18% of Americans said they plan to try making their own ice cream at home this year.
Among all respondents, 72% said ice cream is their all-time favorite dessert, with most people indulging on Fridays (19%) and Saturdays (29%), typically around 5:42 p.m. The most popular serving method remains the classic bowl (49%), followed by cones (35%) and straight-from-the-carton eating (17%).
As for toppings, Americans prefer hot fudge (48%), followed by caramel sauce (40%), chocolate syrup (39%), and whipped cream (36%).
With the summer heat in full swing, 47% of respondents said a scorching day is the perfect time for an ice cream treat — something New Jerseyans, it seems, already know quite well.
